Finding My Happy Place: How Music, Nature, and Little Indulgences Lift My Spirits

Lately, my heart has been feeling a little heavy. Life has its way of weighing us down sometimes, but I’ve discovered a few little rituals that never fail to brighten my days. One of them is my regular video calls with my mum. Just chatting with her, even if it’s every other day, always grounds me and gives me comfort. Beyond that, my greatest outlet to beat the blues is music—especially the ballads and timeless songs of the 80s, 90s and even 70s — Air Supply, Chicago, Peter Cetera, Kool and the Gang, Jason Donovan (my favorite hunky singer when I was a teen and he still looks gorgeous now!) and my absolute favorite – Bee Gees, to name a few.

I’ve always loved singing, even though I don’t have perfect pitch. Back in high school, I was part of the choir, and that joy of singing has never left me. These days, I indulge in karaoke whenever I can, or I simply sing along to my carefully curated YouTube playlist. Listening to my old favorites never fails to lift me out of my doldrums. The moment I start singing along, my mood shifts—it’s as though the weight on my chest gets a little lighter. Thus, my radio, desktop computer and android phone are always playing my favorite songs, from my work desk to my bedroom, in the car, and even the bathroom.

Besides singing, another activity that keeps my spirits up is brisk walking outdoors. I’m fortunate to live in a condo and neighborhood surrounded by lush greenery. Walking amidst nature clears my head and makes me feel refreshed. There’s something about the rhythm of walking, the calmness of trees swaying in the breeze, and the smell of greens and earth that instantly soothes me. This reminds me of my camping and hiking days back in the day – the best years of my life.

Of course, while singing and walking in nature are free remedies, there are also those little indulgences that make life feel sweeter. Shopping sprees and splurging on a nice meal never fail to boost my mood, though they may come with a dent in the wallet. Still, if it gives you happiness and recharges your spirit, I say—why not?

There’s also science behind why music is so powerful. Singing and listening to music stimulate the release of dopamine and endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in our brain, while lowering stress hormones like cortisol. This not only lifts our mood but also helps us relax, express emotions, and even strengthen social bonds. Music can sharpen focus, boost motivation, and help us manage stress. While it’s not a cure for depression, it can be a valuable tool for supporting mental well-being.

These small joys—music, singing, walking in nature, and occasional treats—remind me that happiness can be found in simple things. They don’t erase life’s challenges, but they give me the strength to face them with a lighter heart.

Tell me, what’s your sure-fire way to release stress and beat the blues?

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